Chapter 1329: Frontline Trouble

## Chapter 1315: Trouble on the Front Lines

Situ He immediately said, "The origin of this force is unknown. I will bring it to my father's attention. In its several operations, it hasn't occupied land or cities; it just kills local strongmen and then leaves. This is too strange. What do you think, Brother He?"

He Lingchuan rubbed his nose. "Typically, whoever benefits is the one pulling the strings. The Black Armored Army didn't occupy the city, so who controls it now?"

"A garrison commander named Yang."

"I think this Yang fellow is, to some extent, connected to the Black Armored Army, right?"

The two discussed a few more words. While Situ He was drinking his third cup of wine, He Lingchuan changed the subject: "How is the situation on the front lines?"

"Two days ago, our army attacked Reed Flower Fortress, but it's a bit bogged down." Situ He frowned. "It's a tough fight; the enemy's counterattacks are very strong. Additionally, Pei State's central offensive, among others, suffered two defeats, which greatly encouraged the Bixia people. Alas, this isn't good news."

He continued, "There are differing opinions within the Allied Army on whether to continue the offensive. Furthermore, conflicts have arisen between our two allies, the Poliu State and the Kantu Tribe, leading to a lack of coordination on the northern front."

When He Lingchuan returned to Golden Flash Plain from the Yangshan Archipelago, the Seven-Route Allied Army had already retaken all lost territories of the former Gaopu State and were advancing into Bixia's homeland.

In just a few months, the tables had turned. Bixia, on the other hand, had become the side on passive defense, desperately resisting.

But problems also arose: Reaching this stage of the war, different voices began to emerge within the Allied Army.

Because the previous battles had been surprisingly smooth, the Situ father and son's strategic goal had shifted from merely recovering lost territories to a vengeful counterattack. They hoped to strike Bixia in one fell swoop, completely finishing off this troublesome neighbor, and never giving it a chance to recuperate and make a comeback.

The other allied armies, however, wanted to stop while they were ahead, because the fighting was becoming increasingly difficult, progress was slowing down, and it felt as if they were sinking into a quagmire.

The Allied Army had even suffered two unprecedented defeats. This was a major blow to their previously high morale.

Of course, they also worried that continuing the offensive would completely offend Yao State, which stood behind Bixia.

Their former shared hatred for the enemy began to waver as the front lines pushed into Bixia territory.

Bixia sensed the shift and immediately committed resources and troops to Reed Flower Fortress. This place was easy to defend but difficult to attack. If the Bixia people could hold out a bit longer, the divisions within the Allied Army might grow even wider.

He Lingchuan asked, "What's going on with the conflict on the northern front?"

Wars are always filled with lingering issues and unpredictable turns, unlike what most people imagine.

"Let's go to the sand table; I'll explain it to you."

The sand table at the Homeland Association was donated by the Situ family.

Using the sand table, Situ He explained to the two: "The Allied Army's invasion of Bixia's homeland is proceeding on three fronts. The Situ family and two other forces are fighting on the southern front, while Poliu State and the Kantu Tribe are jointly attacking on the northern front. Ten days ago, the northern front reached the Green Field region."

He pointed to a plain.

He Lingchuan immediately said upon seeing it, "This terrain is easy to attack but difficult to defend."

"Indeed. Green Field is a flat, fertile plain, the granary of northern Bixia, accounting for 20% of Bixia's total output. It's also where two rivers converge, providing benefits for shipping and fishing, and it serves as a transportation hub connecting the east, west, and south. Capturing this place would be a significant victory for our Allied Army's northern campaign."

Yu Hai asked in surprise, "Isn't this a great victory? Why did the two parties turn against each other?"

"The Battle of Green Field only lasted less than two days. The Bixia people knew it was surrounded on all sides and easy to attack but difficult to defend, so they surrendered with little struggle." Situ He shook his head. "But before the Bixia people withdrew, they played a trick: they actually surrendered to the Kantu Tribe and opened the west gate directly. So by the time the Poliu army arrived, the Kantu Tribe had already occupied Green Field."

Yu Hai let out a long "oh." "Not good! Those scoundrels!"

He knew He Lingchuan was an outsider and not very familiar with local historical entanglements, so he explained to him: "Green Field was not originally Bixia territory; it was taken from Poliu State fifteen years ago. For years, Poliu State had wanted Green Field back, which is why it joined the Allied Army."

He Lingchuan immediately understood, "After the Kantu Tribe occupied the city, they didn't want to let go?"

"The Kantu Tribe has long been troubled by food shortages; if they hold Green Field, they won't go hungry anymore." Situ He gave a light cough. "Poliu State offered to supply the Kantu Tribe with grain long-term in the future, but the latter hesitated repeatedly and then refused. This is because after taking Green Field, they could easily collect revenue. Furthermore, during this period of 'hesitation,' they sent another thousand troops to Green Field. Therefore, Poliu State is furious."

Yu Hai couldn't help but curse, "How did Bixia suddenly get so clever and start stirring up trouble?"

Knowing they couldn't hold it, the Bixia people gave Poliu State's lost territory to the Kantu Tribe. The Bixia people truly mastered the art of sowing discord.

Both sides knew Bixia's intentions, but the stakes were too high for them to let go.

A cunning open plot.

Although the Bixia people were known for their bravery and aggressiveness, they rarely used such cunning tactics in the past.

Situ He gave a wry smile. "The Bixia people might not have come up with such a scheme themselves. According to captives we've seized, a large number of bossy outsiders have infiltrated the Bixia army."

"Yao State?"

Situ He shrugged.

Yu Hai nodded. "That certainly fits Yao State's style."

"In short, Poliu State and the Kantu Tribe are fighting among themselves over Green Field, and the northern front's operations have largely stalled." Situ He said to He Lingchuan, "Brother He, you might not know this, but these two sides had old grudges. The Poliu ruler worked hard to resolve them, even having his beloved son marry the Kantu chieftain's daughter, which finally turned conflict into peace."

He Lingchuan interjected, "Kang Lang?"

"Yes, Kang Lang!" Situ He continued, "It wasn't peaceful for more than a few years before their relationship broke down again because of Green Field. Now the Poliu people are extremely indignant, cursing the Kantu Tribe for being ungrateful and taking advantage of their goodwill."

Hatred is easy to build but slow to dissipate. Even with the marriage alliance, the relationship between Poliu and the Kantu Tribe had only recovered to a state of cool indifference.

Clearly, Bixia and Yao State were well aware of this history, which is why they reignited the seeds of resentment between the two parties.

He Lingchuan could sympathize with their helplessness: "Your region is truly chaotic."

They couldn't even withstand a slight provocation before turning to infighting.

"A few days ago, the conflict escalated again, with Poliu troops and the Kantu Tribe fighting each other, even resulting in fatalities." Situ He took a sip of wine. "My family rushed over today to mediate, hoping they would temporarily set aside their disputes and cooperate against the enemy."

"Was there any progress?"

Situ He shook his head, looking distressed. "Both sides slammed the table and cursed at each other on the spot, unwilling to give up Green Field. If we hadn't been there, they might have started fighting again."

So the Allied Army's northern offensive halted.

If the Bixia people could find a way to further divide the attacks from the other two directions—there were already wavering voices within the Allied Army to begin with—the pressure of the war would be greatly alleviated.

Time would allow things to develop favorably.

Once the Bixia people recovered and dragged this war into overtime, the scales of victory would likely swing back and forth again.

He Lingchuan immediately said, "The Allied Army doesn't actually have an overwhelming advantage in combat strength compared to Bixia."

Situ He nodded. "Yes, indeed. Previously, we were able to advance rapidly in recovering the former Gaopu territories, partly riding on the momentum of previous major victories, and partly because the Bixia people initially threw themselves into disarray."

"More than that." He Lingchuan said seriously, "As you said, the previous battles were all about recovering the former territories of Gaopu State. People longed for their homeland, so your war of restoration had the support of the people, making it naturally invincible!"

He had always paid close attention to the battlefield and had many thoughts.

Although aid from various parties was a prerequisite and Situ Yu's command was excellent, it was the Gaopu people's longing for their homeland and their hatred for Bixia that truly enabled the Situ family's allied army to advance so successfully.

To achieve the fastest and most widespread victory, one must first win the hearts of the people.

Only with widespread support can one achieve overwhelming success.

"But after the front lines pushed back into Bixia's homeland, you lost this crucial advantage." At this point, all Bixia people realized that if things continued, they would be doomed.

The morale of the Bixia army and the will of the Bixia people were finally mobilized, committing them to this war to defend their homes and borders.

Therefore, after the Allied Army advanced into Bixia territory, the situation immediately changed, and they faced increasingly greater resistance—all Bixia people opposed them.

Coupled with the halt of the Allied Army's northern offensive, this presented a rare opportunity for Bixia.

They themselves received support from Yao State: money, grain, and some manpower.

The Allied Army, however, had its own problems within its ranks. This could be seen from the initial hesitation of several factions to join the alliance. Even if they could borrow money and grain from Yangshan, how could Yangshan's power be compared to that of Yao State?

If the war dragged on and became a war of attrition, it might be the Allied Army that collapsed first.

"That's true." The Situ family was well aware of this, which is why they tried to mediate the conflict between Poliu State and the Kantu Tribe.

He Lingchuan immediately said, "In that case, the ownership of Green Field will determine the progress of the Allied Army's northern front, and thus affect your overall war against Bixia."

"Exactly." Situ He sighed lightly. "The situation suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse. My father and I both believe that if the Green Field problem can be resolved, the Allied Army will still have a chance to continue besieging Bixia; but if it can't be resolved—"

He Lingchuan nodded. "Once the northern offensive collapses, it could lead to the complete disintegration of the Allied Army."

"The Bixia people played that move beautifully." With just an abandoned city, they managed to undermine the Allied Army. "To be able to exploit the Kantu Tribe's tendency to risk everything for small gains like this, there must be an expert guiding them from behind."

Situ He took a gloomy drink. "Most likely, it's Yao State."

He Lingchuan and Yu Hai both joined him for a drink. Yu Hai asked, "General Situ, what countermeasures do you have?"

"My father and I have discussed it. Our Situ family is willing to cede some of the Bixia territory we've captured to Poliu State in exchange."

Hearing this, Yu Hai gave a thumbs-up. "General Situ, how generous!"

For the Allied Army to continue its offensive against Bixia, they had already secretly discussed how to divide the spoils of war. Situ Yu, as the commander-in-chief of the Seven-Route Army, was willing to give up the gains he had secured to maintain allied unity. His foresight and magnanimity far surpassed that of the surrounding unrefined generals.